Kontron microETXexpress(r) Starterkit for Wind River VxWorks 6.8

Eching, Germany, September 08, 2010 – Following the successful release and market adoption of the Kontron nanoETXexpress starter kits earlier this year, Kontron is introducing a second tool to help jump start design - the Kontron microETXexpress® Starterkit VxWorks validated by Wind River. The new COM Express™ compact kits expand Kontron’s range of evaluation platforms for real time applications built around the COM Express™ form factors.

As the Kontron starter kits are validated for use under the new operating system Wind River VxWorks 6.8, they eliminate the problems that arise whenever an application is developed on the basis of a new operating system and new hardware. There are many variables that can make the integration of hardware and software difficult and debugging to determine even the most minor error can be a very time-consuming task. With the pre-validated starter kits, risks for developers are minimized and time-to-market is shortened. The Kontron microETXexpress® Starterkits VxWorks are pre-configured and assembled with a Kontron microETXexpress® Computer-on-Module in the newly defined COM Express™ compact form factor with 1GB system memory and a heatsink cooling solution and are available for use with either the Kontron microETXexpress®-SP Computer-on-Module (Intel® Atom™ Processor Z530 (1.6GHz) and Intel® SCH US15W) or with the Kontron microETXexpress®-DC (Intel® Atom™ processor N270, Intel® 945GSE and Intel® ICH7M). The small size of Kontron’s 95 mm x95 mm COM Express™ compact modules makes them an ideal fit for appliances with strict space limitations such as found in mobile medical and in-factory asset management applications. All these applications benefit from the optimized response behavior and flexibility of dedicated solutions.

The real-time starter kit at a glance

The Kontron microETXexpress® Starterkits VxWorks include all the necessary components pre-configured and ready to use right out of the box. Users will find a Kontron COM Express™ compact microETXexpress® Computer-on-Module with either a 1.6 GHz Intel® Atom™ processor Z530 or 1.6 GHz Intel® Atom™ processor N270, 1GB of DDR SO-DIMM system memory, a heatsink for low-profile cooling solutions, the Kontron ETXexpress® miniBaseboard, a 12V pico power supply, plus all necessary cables and accessories. Also included in the box are an 8GB Wind River LiveUSB environment stick with Fedora Linux complete with Wind River Workbench 3.2 (30-day evaluation), the Wind River Tilcon Interface Development Tool 5.7 and VxWorks 6.8. Additionally, a 2GB USB stick with a preinstalled bootable VxWorks 6.8 demo image with Wind River Tilcon Graphic demo applications also is in the kit. Easy-to-use documentation and tutorial videos with sample use cases all are part of the kit as well. Development can begin within minutes of opening the package making the process easy for all levels of users. The option to purchase VxWorks licenses bundled with Kontron Computer-on-Modules also is available.

In order to help customers reduce time-to-market, Kontron plans to provide more releases of VxWorks LiveUSB Evaluation Environments and Wind River Linux Board Support Packages for its Computer-on-Modules; providing developers of real-time applications a comprehensive Computer-on-Module range for VxWorks platforms.

For more information on the Kontron microETXexpress® Starterkit VxWorks please visit:

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About Kontron

Kontron, the global leader of embedded computing technology, designs and manufactures embedded and communications standards-based, rugged COTS and custom solutions for OEMs, systems integrators, and application providers in a variety of markets. Kontron engineering and manufacturing facilities, located throughout Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, work together with streamlined global sales and support services to help customers reduce their time-to-market and gain a competitive advantage. Kontron’s diverse product portfolio includes: boards & mezzanines, Computer-on-Modules, HMIs & displays, systems & platforms, and rugged & custom capabilities. Kontron is a Premier member of the Intel® Embedded Alliance and has been a VDC Platinum Vendor for Embedded Computer Boards 5 years running. Kontron is listed on the German TecDAX stock exchange under the symbol "KBC". For more information, please visit: www.kontron.com